Your child looks healthy and happy, so do you really need to take your child to the doctor? Should you wait until your child is ill? The truth is the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you bring your child in for well-child visits, beginning when your child is 2 to 5 days old. There are many reasons why well-child visits are important. Dr. Kenneth Kim at Kenneth J. Kim Pediatrics in Fairfax, VA wants to share just a few of the reasons why well-child visits are important.

Well-child visits are an important way to prevent serious, even fatal illnesses through immunizations. Hepatitis, polio and meningitis are just a few of the serious illnesses prevented through immunizations. Current immunizations are also required for your child to attend daycare or go to school.

Well-child visits also are essential in order to track your child’s growth and development milestones. Social behaviors and learning abilities are also tracked to make sure your child has the best chance of living a great life.

A well-child visit is also your chance as a parent to ask your pediatrician questions about any concerns you may have regarding your child. Dr. Kim encourages you to speak out about any potential issues with sleeping, eating, behaviors or any other issues you are experiencing at home.

One of the most important benefits of well-child visits is that it gives you, your child, and your pediatrician an opportunity to build a relationship together, ensuring the continuing good health of your child.

Your child deserves the best start in life, and well-child visits can make it happen. A healthy child is a happy child! For more information about well-child visits and other pediatric services, call Dr. Kim at Kenneth J. Kim Pediatrics in Fairfax, VA today!